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Staff and Management
The School, Kindergarten and Playgroup (‘the School’) is a cohesive body which we aim to manage in a non-hierarchical way. We hope that everyone involved in any aspect of the school feels that they are part of one whole community. However in its structures it is fairly complex due to the legal framework and the funding on which it is based.
Central to all of the governing and managing structures is the College of Teachers. This is the body which manages how the school is run and which fosters the Special Character of the school. It embodies the spirit of the school and is central to the whole community. The group includes the teachers at the school and kindergarten and also welcomes other staff and the Playgroup coordinators.
As a state school we are obliged to have one named Principal of the school – to act as its Chief Executive. In practice, within a Steiner school, the College of Teachers as a whole take up this role.
The School
The School is a State Integrated School. The government recognises that the school has a Special Character – its Steiner approach – which is different to that of other state schools. The School’s Proprietors Trust, who are also the owners of the land and buildings, are mandated to uphold this Special Character. The Trust meets monthly and also sends a representative to the School Board of Trustees. The Proprietors Trust is also the governing body of the kindergarten.
As the school is a state school it is required to have a Board of Trustees. This Board governs the school – it does not get involved in its day to day management but works to ensure that the school’s Strategic and Annual Plans are created and followed and that there are systems and policies in place to ensure the school is meeting its legal obligations and providing a safe environment for everyone within it. The Board of Trustees is made up of five parent representatives who are voted on by parents every three years, the Principal, a staff representative and a Proprietors representative. It meets on the second Thursday of each month in term time.
The School receives funding from the state towards some of its teachers and towards its operating costs. Parents are asked to contribute a regular amount each week to the Proprietors : this is used to pay for the mortgage and major repairs on the property and contribute to the resources of the school – including its staff.
The Kindergarten
The Kindergarten is licensed to have up to 35 children aged 3 to 6 years old for either morning sessions from 9 till 1pm or to stay until 3pm. It is managed by its Kindergarten Management Committee, which meets monthly and which is made up of the kindergarten and administrative staff and parent representatives. The Kindergarten is a registered Early Childcare Centre and receives funding from the government and also charges fees to parents of children who are not eligible for funding through the government’s 20 Hour Free Scheme (fees are therefore charged to 5 and 6 year olds and children who attend more than 20 hours). Parents of children receiving the 20 hours free funding are also asked to contribute $1 for each hour attended.
Teaching Vacancies
Please click here to see current situations vacant.
How to become a Steiner School teacher in Dunedin.
Teaching in a Steiner school is one of the most rewarding vocations. Our aspiration as teachers is to inspire young students in their relationship to the world, in their love for their fellow humans on earth, to give them skills to effectively create a future for themselves and to find their own unique individuality. We attempt to create Teaching into an Art form that elevates our vocation into something very meaningful.
Trained teachers with a Bachelor of Education, or with a post graduate diploma, or untrained teachers can enrol in a one or two-year course at Taruna College in Hawke’s Bay, the country’s only dedicated Steiner Training institute. The Auckland University of Technology (AUT) offers a 3 year Bachelor of Education (Steiner) in both Early Childhood and Primary. The Federation has developed a part time 2 year In Service "Certificate of Rudolf Steiner Education" for practising teachers which is taught at Taruna. Each school has an extensive ongoing Professional development programme in both Steiner and State best practice and principles
Untrained teachers would be required to complete a Bachelor or equivalent degree before being employed by the school. Taruna also offers refresher courses for all teachers throughout the year. They provide Steiner based courses in many areas including nursing, art, and agriculture.
Teachers who have been trained overseas and wish to teach in New Zealand, or have qualifications that could be cross credited towards education qualifications, will need to have their qualifications approved by the NZ†Qualification Authority. Kindergarten teachers should have a Early Childhood Education qualification and ideally be Steiner trained. Steiner training would be provided.
General Information
For information on:
The Federation of Rudolf Steiner Waldorf Schools in New Zealand.
The collective of schools, kindergartens and initiatives are represented and supported by the Federation of Rudolf Steiner Schools in New Zealand. It is an incorporated society and works by way of regular meetings of delegates from representative full and associate institutions.
The Federation employs an adviser who provides professional support and advice to its members and makes frequent visits to schools, kindergartens, and fledgling initiatives such as playgroups. A coordinator is also employed to manage and co-ordinate federation issues that may arise from time to time.
Three years ago an Executive group was formed who work closely with the secretary and take up an active role in strategic areas. The Federation Executive meets regularly and, as from 2006 the Full Council meet once a year for a two-day meeting held in Wellington.
For further information about the Federation please contact:
Federation of Rudolf Steiner Schools in New Zealand
PO Box 60266
Titirangi
Auckland
Tel 09 817 2813
email steiner.federation@gmail.com
